Today's Black History video of the day is Malcolm X's Ballot or the Bullet. This speech given by Malcolm X on April 3, 1964 in Cleveland, Ohio provides a very powerful message. Having just recently broken ties with the Nation of Islam, Malcolm's speech signifies ideologies contrary to the Nation. The Nation of Islam was undoubtedly against it's members being involved in political affairs, thus, this speech also symbolizes Malcolm's complete separation from the Nation. The theme of the speech was simple yet poignant; Black Americans must exercise their right to vote, but if the ends don't justify the means, Black people may very well have to resort to the use of violence. Ballot or the Bullet was ranked number 7 of the top 100 speeches of the 20th century by a group of 137 leading scholars of American public address.
"I'm nonviolent with those who are nonviolent with me. But when you drop that violence on me, then you've made me go insane, and I'm not responsible for what I do. And that's the way every Negro should get. Any time you know you're within the law, within your legal rights, within your moral rights, in accord with justice, then die for what you believe in. But don't die alone. Let your dying be reciprocal. This is what is meant by equality. What's good for the goose is good for the gander." Malcolm X
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